Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A data collection and management system, comprising: a terminal(s) that transmits measured data; and a management apparatus that receives and manages the measured data transmitted from the terminal(s), wherein the management apparatus comprises a notification unit that notifies the terminal(s) of transmission cost information indicating a cost incurrable upon transmitting measured data to the management apparatus by the terminal(s), wherein the terminal(s) comprises: a calculation unit that calculates an information value indicating a value of measured data as information; and a transmission control unit that determines whether to transmit measured data to the management apparatus based on the information value and the transmission cost information, wherein the transmission control unit calculates transmission probability of measured data by performing statistical processing on the information value and the transmission cost information and transmits the measured data to the management apparatus in accordance with the transmission probability.
This invention relates to a data collection and management system designed to optimize the transmission of measured data from terminals to a central management apparatus while considering transmission costs. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently collecting valuable data from distributed terminals without incurring excessive communication expenses. The system includes one or more terminals that measure and transmit data, and a management apparatus that receives and manages this data. The management apparatus features a notification unit that provides terminals with transmission cost information, detailing the costs associated with sending data to the management apparatus. Each terminal is equipped with a calculation unit that evaluates the information value of the measured data, representing its usefulness or worth as information. A transmission control unit within the terminal then determines whether to transmit the data based on a comparison between the information value and the transmission cost. The transmission control unit applies statistical processing to these factors to calculate a transmission probability, which dictates whether the data is sent to the management apparatus. This probabilistic approach ensures that only the most valuable data is transmitted, reducing unnecessary communication costs while maintaining data quality. The system dynamically balances data utility and transmission expenses, making it suitable for applications where cost efficiency is critical.
2. The data collection and management system according to claim 1 ; wherein the transmission control unit preferentially transmits measured data determined to be important based on a predetermined policy over other measured data.
The system is a data collection and management system designed for industrial or IoT environments where large volumes of sensor data are generated. The primary problem addressed is the efficient transmission of critical data in scenarios with limited bandwidth or network constraints, ensuring that the most important information is prioritized for immediate processing while less critical data may be delayed or transmitted under less favorable conditions. The system includes a transmission control unit that evaluates incoming measured data and applies a predetermined policy to determine its importance. Based on this assessment, the unit prioritizes the transmission of high-importance data over lower-priority data. This ensures that critical operational metrics, such as safety-related measurements or real-time process control data, are transmitted first, reducing the risk of data loss or delayed decision-making. The policy may be based on factors such as data type, source, frequency, or predefined thresholds, allowing for flexible adaptation to different operational requirements. The system may also include data storage capabilities to buffer lower-priority data until transmission conditions improve. This approach optimizes network usage and ensures that the most relevant data is available for analysis or control purposes in a timely manner.
3. The data collection and management system according to claim 1 ; wherein the terminal(s) further comprises a storage unit that stores attribute classification information used for classifying measured data into first measured data and second measured data that is dependent on the first measured data; and wherein the calculation unit calculates the information value of measured data classified into the first measured data.
This invention relates to a data collection and management system designed to improve the efficiency of data processing by classifying and analyzing measured data. The system addresses the challenge of handling large volumes of data by distinguishing between independent and dependent data sets, allowing for more targeted analysis. The system includes one or more terminals equipped with a storage unit that holds attribute classification information. This information is used to categorize incoming measured data into two types: first measured data, which is independent, and second measured data, which is dependent on the first type. By separating these data types, the system can focus its computational resources on the most relevant information. A calculation unit within the system processes the classified data, specifically computing the information value of the first measured data. This value represents the significance or utility of the data, enabling prioritization in further analysis or decision-making processes. The system may also include a data collection unit that gathers measured data from various sources, ensuring a comprehensive dataset for evaluation. By classifying and analyzing data in this structured manner, the system enhances data management efficiency, reduces redundant processing, and improves the accuracy of derived insights. This approach is particularly useful in applications where data volume is high, and distinguishing between independent and dependent data is critical for effective analysis.
4. The data collection and management system according to claim 1 ; wherein, based on measured data that has already been acquired prior to first timing at which measured data, for which the information value is calculated, is acquired, the calculation unit calculates a first probability distribution of measured data at a timing at or after the first timing; wherein, based on measured data that has already been acquired up until the first timing inclusive, the measured data including the measured data acquired at the first timing, the calculation unit calculates a second probability distribution of measured data at a timing at or after the first timing; and wherein the calculation unit calculates the information value of measured data based on a distance between the first probability distribution and the second probability distribution.
This invention relates to a data collection and management system designed to evaluate the informational value of measured data in real-time or near-real-time applications. The system addresses the challenge of determining the significance of newly acquired data by comparing it against historical data to assess its predictive or analytical value. The system includes a calculation unit that processes measured data to determine its information value. The calculation unit first generates a first probability distribution of future measured data using only historical data acquired before a specific first timing. It then generates a second probability distribution of future measured data using all available data up to and including the first timing. The information value of the measured data is derived by calculating the distance between these two probability distributions. This approach quantifies how much the newly acquired data at the first timing alters the predictive distribution of future measurements, thereby assessing its informational contribution. The system is particularly useful in applications where data streams are continuous, such as industrial monitoring, environmental sensing, or financial forecasting, where understanding the impact of new data on predictive models is critical. By comparing pre- and post-acquisition distributions, the system provides a measurable way to prioritize or filter data based on its informational value.
5. The data collection and management system according to claim 1 ; wherein the management apparatus further comprises a transmission cost management unit that increases a value representing the transmission cost information as concentration degree of resources amount consumed by measured data transmitted by the terminal(s) increases.
This invention relates to a data collection and management system designed to optimize resource usage in data transmission. The system addresses the problem of inefficient resource consumption when collecting and transmitting data from multiple terminals, particularly in scenarios where data transmission costs are variable or dependent on resource utilization. The system includes a management apparatus that collects measured data from one or more terminals and manages the transmission of this data. A key feature is the inclusion of a transmission cost management unit, which dynamically adjusts a value representing transmission cost information based on the concentration degree of resources consumed by the transmitted data. As the concentration of resource consumption increases—meaning more data is being transmitted in a shorter time or with higher resource demand—the transmission cost value is increased. This helps prioritize or limit data transmission to avoid excessive resource usage, ensuring efficient and cost-effective data management. The system may also include a data collection unit that gathers measured data from terminals and a transmission unit that sends this data to a server or storage system. The transmission cost management unit ensures that the system adapts to varying resource demands, preventing bottlenecks and optimizing overall performance. This approach is particularly useful in environments where network bandwidth, processing power, or energy consumption are limited or costly.
6. The data collection and management system according to claim 1 ; wherein the management apparatus further comprises an estimation unit that receives measured data preferentially transmitted from the terminal(s) over other measured data and estimates measured data that has not been received yet from the terminal(s) based on the preferentially-transmitted measured data.
The data collection and management system operates in the domain of remote monitoring and data acquisition, addressing the challenge of efficiently gathering and processing measured data from multiple terminals, such as sensors or IoT devices, while ensuring timely and accurate data availability. The system includes a management apparatus that collects measured data from one or more terminals and manages the data for further analysis or decision-making. A key feature of the system is the prioritization of certain measured data over others, where the management apparatus receives preferentially transmitted data from the terminals before other measured data. This prioritization ensures that critical or time-sensitive data is processed first, improving system responsiveness. Additionally, the management apparatus includes an estimation unit that uses the preferentially transmitted data to estimate missing or delayed measured data from the terminals. By leveraging the received data, the estimation unit can predict values for data that has not yet been received, enhancing data completeness and reliability. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where data transmission delays or losses occur, ensuring that the system can still function effectively with incomplete data sets. The system thus improves data management efficiency and accuracy in environments where real-time or near-real-time data processing is required.
7. A data collection and management method, comprising: causing a terminal(s) to transmit measured data to a management apparatus; causing a management apparatus to notify the terminal(s) of transmission cost information indicating a cost incurrable upon transmitting measured data to the management apparatus by the terminal(s); calculating an information value indicating a value of measured data as information; and causing the terminal(s) to determine whether to transmit measured data to the management apparatus based on the information value and the transmission cost information, including calculating transmission probability of measured data by performing statistical processing on the information value and the transmission cost information and transmits the measured data to the management apparatus in accordance with the transmission probability.
This invention relates to a data collection and management system designed to optimize the transmission of measured data from terminals to a management apparatus while considering both the value of the data and the associated transmission costs. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently collecting data from distributed terminals, where transmission costs (e.g., bandwidth, energy, or monetary expenses) may outweigh the value of the data being transmitted. The method involves multiple steps to balance data utility and transmission costs. First, terminals transmit measured data to a management apparatus. The management apparatus then provides transmission cost information to the terminals, indicating the cost incurred when transmitting data. The system calculates an information value, representing the value of the measured data as information. Terminals use this information value, along with the transmission cost information, to decide whether to transmit the data. This decision is made by computing a transmission probability through statistical processing of the information value and transmission cost, then transmitting the data according to this probability. This probabilistic approach ensures that only high-value data is transmitted when the cost is justified, optimizing resource usage and reducing unnecessary transmissions. The system can be applied in IoT networks, sensor arrays, or any distributed data collection scenario where transmission costs are a concern.
8. A terminal, comprising: a calculation unit that calculates an information value indicating a value of measured data as information; and a transmission control unit that determines whether to transmit measured data to a management apparatus based on: transmission cost information indicating a cost incurrable upon transmitting the measured data by the terminal to the management apparatus that manages measured data; and the information value, wherein the transmission control unit calculates transmission probability of measured data by performing statistical processing on the information value and the transmission cost information and transmits the measured data to the management apparatus in accordance with the transmission probability.
This invention relates to a terminal device designed to optimize data transmission to a management apparatus by balancing information value and transmission costs. The terminal includes a calculation unit that evaluates the informational significance of measured data, assigning it an information value. A transmission control unit then determines whether to send this data to a management apparatus, which centrally manages such data. The decision is based on two factors: the transmission cost (e.g., bandwidth, energy, or monetary expense) and the calculated information value. The transmission control unit applies statistical processing to these factors to derive a transmission probability, which dictates whether the data is sent. This probabilistic approach ensures that only the most valuable data is transmitted, reducing unnecessary communication costs while preserving critical information. The system is particularly useful in resource-constrained environments, such as IoT networks or remote sensors, where minimizing transmission overhead is essential. The invention avoids rigid thresholds, instead using dynamic statistical analysis to adapt to varying conditions, ensuring efficient and cost-effective data management.
9. A management apparatus, comprising: a reception unit that receives measured data transmitted from a terminal(s); and a notification unit that notifies the terminal(s) of transmission cost information indicating a cost incurrable upon transmitting measured data to the management apparatus by the terminal(s), wherein the terminal(s) calculate transmission probability of measured data by performing statistical processing on the information value and the transmission cost information and transmits the measured data to the management apparatus in accordance with the transmission probability.
This invention relates to a management apparatus for optimizing data transmission from terminals to reduce communication costs while maintaining data utility. The system addresses the problem of excessive data transmission costs in environments where terminals collect and transmit large volumes of measured data to a central management apparatus. The apparatus includes a reception unit that receives measured data from one or more terminals and a notification unit that provides transmission cost information to the terminals. This cost information indicates the financial or resource cost incurred when transmitting data to the management apparatus. The terminals use this information, along with the information value of the data, to statistically determine a transmission probability. Based on this probability, the terminals decide whether to transmit the measured data, balancing cost efficiency with data utility. The statistical processing ensures that high-value data is more likely to be transmitted, while lower-value data may be filtered out to reduce costs. This approach optimizes network bandwidth and reduces transmission expenses without sacrificing critical data insights. The system is particularly useful in IoT, sensor networks, or other distributed data collection environments where cost-effective data transmission is essential.
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January 16, 2018
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